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He said: “The delay – sometimes of two, three, four years - is agonising. The delays in diagnosis aren’t just an obstacle for those with autism they are a roadblock, causing frustration for those with autism and their families.

“Delays leave many of them unable to obtain the education and social support they need to meet their everyday needs. Delays mean that during the crucial years of child development, children aren’t receiving optimal care.

“I’d like to ask the Government: Will they include indicators on diagnosis waiting times in the Mental Health Data Set to measure how long it takes for people to get diagnosed?

“And will they commit to introducing a waiting times standard on autism diagnosis – setting a target for maximum waiting times?”

Dr Williams was backed by Nichola’s own MP, Alex Cunningham who called the waiting times a “scandal”.

Nichola said: “I agree with what he said. There should be a limit because people are waiting three years and there’s no data recorded.

“I could easily live in Middlesbrough and I wouldn’t be aware that someone in Billingham or Stockton was having to wait three years.

“That’s great that they are getting the help I just wish we were as well.”